December 24th, 2010 by Ethan

A friend of mine found this painted turtle in his yard this summer. He brought it over to me for some pics and then I turned it loose in the water hole. It hung around for a few days and then wandered off downstream.
Posted in amphibians & reptiles | 2 Comments
December 22nd, 2010 by Ethan

A burning pile of sticks.
Posted in other stuff | No Comments
December 21st, 2010 by Ethan








The lunar eclipse from early this morning. Conditions were perfect – clear & calm with temps in the low 30s. The Cold Moon was full at 2:14 AM CST. The coyotes were howling and several times I heard the echo of an owl hooting in the slough down across the highway. I even saw a shooting star. Very satisfactory for an event which has not occurred in the last 456 years.
Posted in nature, other stuff | No Comments
December 20th, 2010 by Ethan

A beautiful November afternoon at Glenwood Park.
Posted in nature, southwest Iowa | No Comments
December 19th, 2010 by Ethan


This large hawk had just finished eating a vole before it moved to the top of the birdhouse. I doubt the little screech owl living inside liked having such a big hawk on its roof.
Posted in birds | No Comments
December 18th, 2010 by Ethan

This screech owl has made the flicker box in my front yard its winter quarters. I’m hoping for a nest next spring.
Posted in birds | No Comments
December 17th, 2010 by Ethan

Here’s an old one I never got around to posting.
Posted in birds | 1 Comment